HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that cater to their specific preferences and typing styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out for its clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a brighter and more acoustically engaging typing experience. This linear switch is not only characterized by its lighter actuation force but also by its silky smooth feel, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes that many typists cherish. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers an equally enjoyable typing experience, known for its smooth keystroke and optimal travel distance, making it well-suited for gamers and typists who favor comfort and efficiency. Both switches present unique advantages: the Cloud - 50g emphasizes auditory feedback, while the Glory Red focuses on a seamless keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Red switches, it becomes clear that both switches employ nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice in materials leads to similar sound profiles and typing experiences across both models. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is noted for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a relatively softer plastic. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory response when typing. Therefore, users can expect a consistent acoustic footprint whether they choose the Cloud - 50g or the Glory Red, given that both share this fundamental characteristic.
While the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Cloud - 50g and the Glory Red suggests similar performance, the overall typing experience may still vary due to other switch design elements that are not detailed here. In both models, the softness of the nylon contributes significantly to how the switch feels and sounds during use. When engaging these switches, the interaction between the top and bottom housings provides a cohesive feel, where both contribute to the outcome regarding sound and tactile feedback. Thus, if either switch were to have other differentiating elements (such as spring type or stem design), they could still accomplish a distinctive typing experience, even with identical housing materials.
Ultimately, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Red switches both harness the advantages of nylon for their housings, users will likely enjoy a similar sound profile and tactile experience due to the shared material characteristics. The nature of nylon ensures a unified auditory quality when keys are pressed and released, promising a satisfying performance for typing enthusiasts seeking depth and warmth in their keystrokes. If both models maintain identical internal components, users can expect remarkably similar results in terms of sound and feel, further reinforcing the idea that housing materials play a crucial, albeit sometimes subtler, role in the overall keyboard experience.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch present a distinct comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is noticeably lighter than the Gateron Glory Red’s 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming may find the Cloud - 50g more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 50g has a force of 50 grams, providing a tactile end to each keystroke. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in this regard. Ultimately, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter of the two switches, appealing to those who favor a gentler typing experience, whereas the Gateron Glory Red, with its slightly heavier actuation force, may be more suitable for users who desire a more substantial feel when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the HMX Cloud features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Glory Red a more responsive option, appealing to gamers and those who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g's longer 3.9 mm travel may provide a more tactile experience, which some users prefer for a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas the Cloud - 50g offers a more pronounced key press for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who prefer a bright and vibrant acoustic experience while typing. This auditory element adds an enjoyable layer to the overall typing experience, making it engaging for users who appreciate a lively environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch's sound profile is not specified, but it typically leans towards a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. However, like the Cloud - 50g, the sound produced by the Glory Red is influenced by the choice of keyboard materials, board design, and keycap selection, which are important factors in determining the overall auditory feedback a user receives.
Regarding the feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is known for its silky smooth operation, ensuring seamless keystrokes that enhance typing speed and comfort. This smoothness caters to those who prioritize a fluid feel when pressing keys, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. The Glory Red switch also delivers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, reinforcing that enjoyable typing experience. While both switches share the common characteristic of smoothness, the slight differences in resistance and actuation might provide unique tactile experiences depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Glory Red switches offer enjoyable experiences, but they cater to slightly different tastes. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a more vibrant audio feedback, while the Glory Red provides a smoother keystroke with an unspecified sound characteristic that might offer a quieter experience overall. When selecting between the two, consider the sound and feel that align with your personal preferences, as both switches share a smooth operation that is key to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you favor a lighter keystroke that offers a clackier sound profile with a smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely your ideal choice, especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback of your typing. This switch is excellent for gaming and typing tasks where you want a bright sound and tactile response, making it a fantastic fit for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a linear switch with a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red may be more appealing for you. This switch might suit you if your priority is seamless fluidity with less auditory distraction, which could be ideal for quieter environments or prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, consider your own typing style, the environments in which you'll be using these switches, and whether you lean towards the enjoyment of sound or a more subdued experience in your keyboard interactions.
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